Johnston County Official, Businessman Injured In Carteret County Crash

A Johnston County official and a Clayton businessman were injured after a SUV plowed into the Domino’s Pizza in Cedar Point near Emerald Isle around 7:00pm Sunday.

Johnston County 911 Director Jason Barbour and a friend, Carlos Batista Jr., had gone to Domino’s to pick up pizzas for a group of individuals from Johnston County staying at the beach for the July 4th holiday.

Barbour, 48, of Smithfield said he and Batista, 21, of Clayton were waiting on a bench inside Domino’s when they were struck from behind by a SUV that crashed into the storefront.

Barbour said they were propelled forward about 6 feet by the SUV as it crashed into their backs while debris rained down on top of the men.

Both were transported to the hospital for medical care. They were released Monday morning.

Batista is the co-owner of Batista Grading of Clayton.

The Highway Patrol said charges against the driver of the SUV are pending. The driver reportedly told a trooper a floor mat prevented him from fully depressing the brake pedal.

The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Emerald Isle EMS, and Western Carteret Fire Department responded to the accident.

Barbour told WTSB News on Monday he was lucky to be alive. Although they are now out of the hospital, Barbour said both he and Batista sustained back injuries that could require additional medical treatment.